Multidirectional input device
By employing a magnet holder and orthogonal magnetic sensors, the device enhances tilt operation detection accuracy while minimizing height, addressing the detection challenges in conventional multi-direction input devices.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HOSIDEN CORP
- Filing Date
- 2022-05-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-07
Smart Images
Figure 0007886180000001 
Figure 0007886180000002 
Figure 0007886180000003
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-direction input device.
Background Art
[0002] Conventionally, a multi-direction input device is known that includes a tiltable operation member, an elastic member that returns the operation member to its initial state before the tilt operation, a magnet embedded in the lower end portion of the operation member, and a plurality of magnetoelectric conversion elements provided below the operation member that detect the strength of the magnetic field of the magnet that is displaced in response to the tilt operation of the operation member (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] In a conventional multi-direction input device, in order to reduce the height of the product, it is necessary to make the distance between the magnet and the magnetoelectric conversion element as short as possible. Therefore, there is a problem that minute play of the magnet has an adverse effect on the detection of the tilt operation of the operation member.
[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a multi-direction input device that can improve the detection accuracy of the tilt operation of an operation member while reducing the height of the product.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006] The multi-directional input device according to the present invention comprises a case, a tiltable operating member protruding from the case, an elastic member for returning the operating member to its initial state before tilting, a magnet holding part that is relatively movable with respect to the operating member only in the direction along the protruding direction and is linked only in the tilting direction, a magnet disposed in the magnet holding part, and a magnetic sensor disposed opposite the magnet for detecting the movement of the magnet, wherein the magnetic sensor is disposed to the side of the magnet and is a magnetic sensor capable of detecting magnetic components in three mutually orthogonal axial directions. The magnetic sensors are positioned at two locations on the side of the magnet that are point-symmetric with respect to the axis of the magnet, and each of them is a magnetic sensor capable of detecting magnetic components in three mutually orthogonal axial directions relative to the magnet. It is characterized by this. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0007] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a multi-directional input device according to one embodiment of the present invention in an initial state where no operating force is applied to the operating member. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of the disassembled multi-directional input device. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of the multi-directional input device with its top cover made transparent. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of the multi-directional input device with its top cover made transparent. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view AA in Figure 1. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view AA of Figure 1, showing the operating member in a state where it is tilted in the YZ plane. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of BB in Figure 1. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of BB in Figure 1, with the operating member tilted in the XZ plane. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of the magnet holder. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view of the disassembled magnet holder. [Figure 11] This diagram shows a disc-shaped component, with (A) being a plan view and (B) being a front cross-sectional view from one side. [Figure 12] This is a front view showing the positional relationship between the magnet, the first magnetic sensor, and the second magnetic sensor. [Figure 13]It is a plan view of FIG. 12. [Figure 14] It is a left side view of FIG. 12. [Figure 15] It is a processing block diagram of output signals of the first magnetic sensor and the second magnetic sensor. [Figure 16] It is a diagram showing an analysis result of detection of the amount of tilt of the operation member in the X-axis direction. [Figure 17] It is a diagram showing an analysis result of detection of the amount of tilt of the operation member in the Y-axis direction. [Figure 18] It is a diagram showing an analysis result of X-Y coordinate output values at the time of omnidirectional tilt. [Figure 19] It is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 5 showing a first modification example of the magnet holding portion. [Figure 20] It is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 7 showing a first modification example of the magnet holding portion. [Figure 21] It is a perspective view showing a first modification example of the magnet holding portion. [Figure 22] It is a perspective view of the disassembled state showing a first modification example of the magnet holding portion. [Figure 23] It is a diagram showing a cylindrical component, (A) is a one-sided cross-sectional plan view, and (B) is a one-sided cross-sectional front view. [Figure 24] It is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 5 showing a second modification example of the magnet holding portion.
Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention
[0008] Hereinafter, a multi-direction input device (hereinafter, simply referred to as a multi-direction input device) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.
[0009] FIG. 1 shows the relationship between the multi-direction input device and the three-dimensional space formed by three orthogonal axes (X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis). The left-right direction of the multi-direction input device is taken as the X-axis direction, the front-back direction of the multi-direction input device orthogonal to the X-axis is taken as the Y-axis direction, and the up-down direction of the multi-direction input device orthogonal to each of the X-axis and the Y-axis is taken as the Z-axis direction.
[0010] The direction toward the right of the multidirectional input device is defined as the positive X-axis (+X-axis direction), the direction toward the front of the multidirectional input device is defined as the positive Y-axis (+Y-axis direction), and the direction toward the top of the multidirectional input device is defined as the positive Z-axis (+Z-axis direction).
[0011] Let the two-dimensional plane formed between the X and Y axes be the XY plane, the two-dimensional plane formed between the X and Z axes be the XZ plane, and the two-dimensional plane formed between the Y and Z axes be the YZ plane.
[0012] Multidirectional input devices can be used in various electronic devices such as game console controllers.
[0013] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, the multi-directional input device comprises a lower case 101, an upper case 102, an operating member 104, a rotating member 105, a magnet holder 106, a compression coil spring 107, a magnet 109, a first magnetic sensor 110A, a second magnetic sensor 110B, a pusher 111, a cover sheet 112, a metal dome 113, a main board 114, a first sub-board 115A, and a second sub-board 115B.
[0014] The lower case 101 and the upper case 102, when combined, form a rectangular box-shaped case. Various components 104, 105, 106, 107, 109, 110A, 110B, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115A, and 115B of the multidirectional input device are housed inside this case.
[0015] The lower case 101 is made of sheet metal. The lower case 101 has a bottom plate portion 101a and left and right side plate portions 101b and 101c. The bottom plate portion 101a is formed in a rectangular shape. The left and right side plate portions 101b and 101c are raised from the left and right sides of the bottom plate portion 101a.
[0016] The upper case 102 is a resin molded product. The upper case 102 has a top plate portion 102a and periphery side wall portions (four side wall portions) 102b. The top plate portion 102a is formed in a rectangular shape. The periphery side wall portions 102b hang down from the four sides (front, back, left, and right) of the top plate portion 2a. The upper case 102 is formed in the shape of a bottomless, rectangular box cap that opens downwards.
[0017] The upper case 102 is positioned on top of the bottom plate 101a so as to cover it from above. The upper case 102 is fitted between the left and right side plates 101b and 101c and is fixed to the bottom plate 101a with two screws (not shown). The upper case 102 functions as the main body of the case, and the lower case 101 functions as the bottom cover of the case.
[0018] The upper case 102 has a dome portion 102c and an insertion hole 102d. The dome portion 102c is formed so as to bulge upward in a dome shape from the center of the top plate portion 102a. The inner surface of the dome portion 102c is formed as a spherical curved surface. The insertion hole 102d is formed at the top (center) of the dome portion 102c. The insertion hole 102d is circular in shape. The insertion hole 102d opens the inside of the upper case 102 upward.
[0019] The main board 114 is a flexible printed circuit board (FPC). The main board 114 is fixed on the bottom plate portion 101a with its peripheral edge sandwiched between the bottom plate portion 101a and the peripheral side wall portion 102b. The main board 114 has a strip-shaped tail portion 114a for external connection. The tail portion 114a extends in one direction (rearward) from the rectangular main body portion of the main board 114 and is pulled out from inside the upper case 102 to the outside.
[0020] The operating member 104 is a resin molded product. The operating member 104 is a round rod-shaped member. The operating member 104 has a base portion 104a, a keytop mounting portion 104b, a frustoconical portion 104c, a pair of left and right second shaft portions 104d and 104e, and a magnet housing hole 104f. Of these components of the operating member 104, components 104a to 104f, excluding the second shaft portions 104d and 104e, are arranged coaxially with respect to a single straight line extending in the Z-axis direction, which is the centerline of the operating member 104.
[0021] The base portion 104a is provided at the lower end of the operating member 104. The base portion 104a is formed in the shape of a round rod. The keytop mounting portion 104b is provided at the upper end of the operating member 104. The keytop mounting portion 104b is formed in the shape of a round rod that is thinner than the base portion 104a. The frustoconical portion 104c is provided between the base portion 104a and the keytop mounting portion 104b, and connects them in a straight line in the Z-axis direction.
[0022] The left second shaft portion 104d and the right second shaft portion 104e protrude in two opposite directions from the lower end of the outer circumferential surface of the base portion 104a. The left second shaft portion 104d and the right second shaft portion 104e are provided coaxially with respect to a single straight line that extends in the X-axis direction perpendicular to the center line of the operating member 4.
[0023] The magnet housing hole 104f is formed extending from the center of the end face of the base portion 104a (the lower end face of the operating member 4) to the center of the frustoconical portion 104c. The magnet housing hole 104f is a stepped hole with a circular cross-section, whose diameter is reduced in two stages from bottom to top. The magnet housing hole 104f opens downward at the end face of the base portion 104a (the lower end face of the operating member 4).
[0024] The rotating member 105 is a resin molded product. The rotating member 105 is a circular ring-shaped member. The rotating member 105 has a through hole 105a, a pair of front and rear first shaft portions 105b and 105c, a pressing portion 105d, a pressing pivot portion 105e, and a pair of left and right bearing portions 105f and 105g.
[0025] The through-hole 105a is a hole that penetrates the rotating member 105 in the Z-axis direction. The front first shaft portion 105b and the rear first shaft portion 105c protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the rotating member 105 in two opposite directions. The front first shaft portion 105b and the rear first shaft portion 105c are provided coaxially with respect to a single straight line that extends in the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the center line of the rotating member 105.
[0026] The pressing portion 105d protrudes downward from the end of the front first shaft portion 105b. The lower end of the pressing portion 105d is formed in an arc shape that protrudes downward. The pressing fulcrum portion 105e protrudes downward from the base of the rear second shaft portion 105c. The lower end of the pressing fulcrum portion 105e is formed in an arc shape that protrudes downward.
[0027] The left bearing portion 105f and the right bearing portion 105g are circular through holes that penetrate the inner and outer surfaces of the rotating member 105. The left bearing portion 105f and the right bearing portion 105g are arranged coaxially with respect to a single straight line extending in the X-axis direction, so as to face each other in the X-axis direction. The outer surface of the rotating member 105 is formed as a spherical curved surface to match the inner surface of the dome portion 102c.
[0028] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the magnet 109 is a cylindrical permanent magnet whose axial direction is along the protruding direction of the operating member 104, and which is magnetized (polarized) with two poles, N and S, in this axial direction. The magnet 109 is a cylindrical permanent magnet whose axial direction is along the Z-axis. The magnet 109 has a circular through hole 109a in its center. The magnet 109 is magnetized with two poles, N and S, in the axial direction such that both end faces (upper and lower end faces) are opposite poles. The upper end face of the magnet 109 is the N pole, and the lower end face is the S pole.
[0029] As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the magnet holder 106 comprises a pair of upper and lower disc portions 1060 and 1061 positioned at both ends of the magnet 109, and a pin 1062. The upper disc portion 1060 and the lower disc portion 1061 each have circular through holes 1060a and 1061a in the center, similar to the magnet 109.
[0030] Pin 1062 is a round pin with a circular cross-section that fits into the through holes 1060a, 1061a, and 109a. Pin 1062 is made of a metal that does not adhere to the magnet 109, or it is made of a metal that adheres to the magnet 109, but has been surface-treated, such as by plating, so that it does not adhere to the magnet 109.
[0031] The magnet holder 106 is configured to hold the magnet 109 between the upper disc portion 1060 and the lower disc portion 1061 when the pin 1062 is inserted into the through holes 1060a, 1061a, and 109a of the upper disc portion 1060, the lower disc portion 1061, and the magnet 109. The upper disc portion 1060, the lower disc portion 1061, and the magnet 109 are arranged coaxially with respect to a single straight line extending in the Z-axis direction, which is the center line of the pin 1062.
[0032] The magnet holder portion 106 has a spherical contact surface 1063 on the lower surface of the lower disc portion 1061 (the lower end surface of the magnet holder portion 106) that faces the base plate portion 101a. The contact surface 1063 includes a circular flat surface 1063a formed from the small-diameter end face of the spherical base and a spherical band-shaped curved surface 1063b formed from the side surface of the spherical base.
[0033] Pin 1062 has a disc-shaped flange portion 1062a in the axial middle of the pin 1062. With the flange portion 1062a in contact with the upper surface of the upper disc portion 1060, the lower pin 1062 is inserted from the flange portion 1062a into the through holes 1060a, 1061a, and 109a of the upper disc portion 1060, the lower disc portion 1061, and the magnet 109. The lower end of the pin 1062 is positioned inside the through hole 1061a of the lower disc portion 1061, so that the pin 1062 does not protrude from the lower surface of the lower disc portion 1061, while the upper pin 1062 from the flange portion 1062a protrudes upward from the upper surface of the upper disc portion 1060.
[0034] The magnet holder 106 comprises two disc-shaped parts 1064 made of a magnetic material that adheres to the magnet 109. The two disc-shaped parts 1064 are designated as an upper disc portion 1060 (one disc-shaped part 1064) and a lower disc portion 1061 (the other disc-shaped part 1064). Both the upper disc portion 1060 and the lower disc portion 1061 have contact surfaces 1063 on their respective surfaces. The lower surface of the lower disc portion 1061 (the lower surface of the magnet holder 106) has a trapezoidal contact surface 1063 which is configured to contact the bottom plate portion 101a.
[0035] The upper disc portion 1060 and the lower disc portion 1061 can be fixed to the pin 1062 using adhesive, or the pin 1062 can be press-fitted into the through holes 1060a and 1061a. This type of fixing can suppress rattling of the magnet 109.
[0036] To eliminate rattling of the magnet 109, cushioning material (not shown) may be installed between the upper disc portion 1060 and the magnet 109, and between the lower disc portion 1061 and the magnet 109.
[0037] The compression coil spring 107 is made of a metal wire that does not adhere to the magnet 109.
[0038] The rotating member 105 has its front first shaft portion 105b and rear first shaft portion 105c inserted into front guide grooves 102e and rear guide grooves 102f formed inside the upper case 102. This restricts the rotation of the rotating member 105 around the centerline relative to the upper case 102. In this state, the rotating member 105 is housed inside the upper case 102 so as to be rotatable around the axes of the front first shaft portion 105b and rear first shaft portion 105c. The front guide grooves 102e and rear guide grooves 102f are formed in an inverted U shape so as to open downwards.
[0039] The operating member 104 has its base 104a inserted into the through hole 105a of the rotating member 105, and its left second shaft portion 104d and right second shaft portion 104e inserted into the left bearing portion 105f and right bearing portion 105g of the rotating member 105. In this state, the operating member 104 is supported by the rotating member 105 so as to be rotatable around the axes of the left second shaft portion 104d and right second shaft portion 104e. In this state, the operating member 104 has its keytop mounting portion 104b protruding upward from the inside of the upper case 102 through the insertion hole 102d.
[0040] The magnet holder 106 is inserted into the magnet housing hole 104f of the operating member 104 so as to be movable along the center line of the operating member 104, with the compression coil spring 107 fitted onto the upper pin 1062 from the flange portion 1062a, and the lower surface of the lower disc portion 1061 facing the bottom plate portion 101a.
[0041] The compression coil spring 107 is housed between the flange portion 1062a and the upper surface of the magnet housing hole 104f, biasing the operating member 104 and the rotating member 105 upward, and biasing the magnet holding portion 106 downward.
[0042] When no operating force is applied to the operating member 104, the biasing force of the compression coil spring 107 supports the magnet holding portion 106 in an upright position on the bottom plate portion 101a, with the flat surface 1063a of the contact surface 1063 on the lower surface of the lower disc portion 1061 pressed against the bottom plate portion 101a. The operating member 104 and the rotating member 105 are pushed up until the front first shaft portion 105b and the rear first shaft portion 105c engage with the upper ends (closed ends) of the front guide groove 102e and the rear guide groove 102f.
[0043] As a result, the operating member 104 is supported upright on the base plate 101a via the magnet holding part 106. Furthermore, with this state as the initial state, the operating member 104 can be tilted and pressed in any direction around it (all 360 degrees). The operating member 104 shown in the figure can be tilted up to a maximum of 16.5 degrees.
[0044] The rotating member 105 is rotatable in conjunction with the tilting operation of the operating member 104. Furthermore, the rotating member 105 is capable of moving downward (tilting) so as the operating member 104 is pressed, the pressing pivot 105e is pressed against the bottom plate 101a, and the pressing part 105d is pressed down using the pressing pivot 105e as a pivot point.
[0045] The magnet holder 106 moves relative to the operating member 104 in a direction along the centerline of the operating member 104, against the biasing force of the compression coil spring 107, as the operating member 104 is pressed. In other words, it enters the magnet housing hole 104f of the operating member 104, so that it does not move downward as the operating member 104 is pressed. In short, the magnet holder 106 is linked only to the tilting operation of the operating member 104.
[0046] When the operating member 104 is tilted, the magnet holding part 106 supports itself and the operating member 104 in a tilted position on the bottom plate part 101a, with the curved surface 1063b of the contact surface 1063 on the lower surface of the lower disc part 1061 pressed against the bottom plate part 101a.
[0047] The pusher 111 and the metal dome 113 function as a device for detecting the pressing of the operating member 4. Specifically, they function as push switches, opening and closing fixed contacts (not shown) formed on the main circuit board 114.
[0048] The cover sheet 112 is a single-sided adhesive sheet. The metal dome 113 is a movable contact made of an upward-convex, dome-shaped metal plate. The top surface of the metal dome 13 is attached to the bottom surface of the cover sheet 12 to form the metal dome sheet.
[0049] The main circuit board 114 has a central fixed contact (not shown) and an outer fixed contact (not shown). The central fixed contact is circular and is located below the pressing portion 105d of the rotating member 105. The outer fixed contact is C-shaped and is arranged to surround the central fixed contact with a gap between them.
[0050] The metal dome sheet is attached to the main circuit board 114 so that the metal dome 113 is fixed on top of the outer fixed contacts, with the metal dome 113 straddling the central fixed contact. In this state, the top of the metal dome 113 is separated from the central fixed contact directly below it, with a gap between them.
[0051] The pusher 111 is a resin molded product. The pusher 111 is a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped component. The pusher 111 is housed inside the upper case 102 so as to be vertically movable. The pusher 111 is positioned between the pressing portion 105d of the rotating member 105 and the metal dome 113. The pusher 111 is biased upward by the metal dome 113, and its upper surface is pressed against the lower end of the pressing portion 105d of the rotating member 105.
[0052] When the operating member 104 is pressed, the rotating member 105 moves downward in conjunction with the pressing of the operating member 104. This downward movement of the rotating member 105 causes the pusher 111 to move downward against the biasing force of the metal dome 113, and this pusher 111 presses down on the top of the metal dome 113. As a result, the top of the metal dome 113 elastically deforms into a downward convex shape and contacts the central fixed contact of the main board 114. The metal dome 113 electrically connects the central fixed contact and the outer fixed contact of the main board 114, and the push switch turns on. This makes it possible to detect the pressing of the operating member 104.
[0053] The magnet 109, the first magnetic sensor 110A, the second magnetic sensor 110B, and the magnet tilt angle calculation unit 116 function as a tilt operation detection device for the operating member 104.
[0054] As shown in Figures 12 to 14, the first magnetic sensor 110A and the second magnetic sensor 110B are positioned to the side of the magnet 109. Specifically, they are positioned at two locations to the side of the magnet 109 that are point-symmetric with respect to the axis (center line) of the magnet 109. More specifically, they are positioned in a direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the protruding direction (Y-axis direction) of the front first shaft portion 105b and the rear first shaft portion 105c.
[0055] The first magnetic sensor 110A is positioned to the left of the rotating member 105 and faces the magnet 109 at a predetermined distance. The second magnetic sensor 110B is positioned to the right of the rotating member 105 and faces the magnet 109 at the same distance as the first magnetic sensor 110A.
[0056] The first magnetic sensor 110A and the second magnetic sensor 110B are surface-mounted on the first sub-board 115A and the second sub-board 115B, which are made of small rigid substrates. The first sub-board 115A and the second sub-board 115B are held inside the upper case 102 so that their sensor mounting surfaces are perpendicular to a straight line extending in the X-axis direction, perpendicular to the axis (center line) of the magnet 109, and are erected vertically on the main board 114.
[0057] The first magnetic sensor 110A and the second magnetic sensor 110B are the same magnetic sensor capable of detecting magnetic flux density in three mutually orthogonal axial directions: the X-axis, Y-axis, which is the radial plane of the magnet 109, and the Z-axis, which is the axial direction of the magnet 109. For example, a 3D Hall sensor can be used as this magnetic sensor.
[0058] The first magnetic sensor 110A and the second magnetic sensor 110B are positioned so that the centers of their respective X-axis magnetic sensing parts 110Ax and 110Bx are coaxial with a straight line extending in the X-axis direction that is perpendicular to the axis (center line) of the magnet 109.
[0059] As shown in Figure 15, the first magnetic sensor 110A and the second magnetic sensor 110B are connected to the magnet tilt angle calculation unit 116, and are configured to detect the tilt angle of the magnet 109, that is, the tilt operation of the operating member 104. Specifically, (1) the first magnetic sensor 110A and the second magnetic sensor 110B measure and output the magnetic flux densities Bx, By, and Bz in the three axial directions. (2) The magnet tilt angle calculation unit 116 calculates the angle formed by the magnetic flux density vectors Bz,By and Bx at the first magnetic sensor 110A and the second magnetic sensor 110B based on the output values of the first magnetic sensor 110A and the second magnetic sensor 110B. (3) The magnet tilt angle calculation unit 116 calculates the tilt angle of the magnet 109 based on the result of (2). In other words, the output value A of the first magnetic sensor 110A and the output value B of the second magnetic sensor 110B are added together and divided by 2 to obtain an average.
[0060] Here, in the detection of tilt in the Y-axis direction where the distance of the first magnetic sensor 110A and the second magnetic sensor 110B to the magnet 109 does not change, as shown in Figure 17, both the first magnetic sensor 110A and the second magnetic sensor 110B produce almost the same output, and their average values overlap. In contrast, in the detection of tilt in the X-axis direction where the distance of the first magnetic sensor 110A and the second magnetic sensor 110B to the magnet 109 changes, as shown in Figure 16, the slope of the output value differs with respect to the tilt angle of the magnet 109 when the magnet 109 approaches or moves away from the first magnetic sensor 110A and the second magnetic sensor 110B. However, the output obtained by adding the output value A of the first magnetic sensor 110A and the output value B of the second magnetic sensor 110B and dividing by 2 to average it shows an output characteristic that is almost linear with respect to the tilt angle. In other words, it can be seen that the effects of the difference in tilt direction cancel each other out.
[0061] In a multi-directional input device, the magnet tilt angle calculation unit 116 is located outside the multi-directional input device, that is, it is located in various electronic devices such as game controllers equipped with this multi-directional input device, but it can also be located inside the multi-directional input device.
[0062] Figure 18 shows the analysis results of the output values (XY coordinate output values) when the device was operated with an azimuth angle in 15-degree increments (0 to 360 degrees) and tilt angles of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 16.5 degrees. Referring to Figure 18, the elliptical output on the left is obtained, and when this is normalized, it becomes the circular shape on the right, showing no deviation in output values or lack of linearity depending on the tilt direction.
[0063] A first modified example of the magnet holder will be described with reference to Figures 19 to 23. The magnet holder 206 of the first modified example replaces the magnet holder 106 described above.
[0064] The magnet holder 206 comprises a pair of upper and lower disc portions 2060 and 2061 positioned at both ends of the magnet 109, and a pin 2062. The upper disc portion 2060 and the lower disc portion 2061 each have circular through holes 2060a and 2061a in the center, similar to the magnet 109.
[0065] Pin 2062 is a round pin with a circular cross-section that fits into the through holes 2060a, 2061a, and 109a. Pin 2062 is made of a metal that does not adhere to the magnet 109, or it is made of a metal that adheres to the magnet 109, but has been surface-treated, such as by plating, so that it does not adhere to the magnet 109.
[0066] The magnet holder 206 is configured to hold the magnet 109 between the upper disc portion 2060 and the lower disc portion 2061 when the pin 2062 is inserted into the through holes 2060a, 2061a, and 109a of the upper disc portion 2060, the lower disc portion 2061, and the magnet 109. The upper disc portion 2060, the lower disc portion 2061, and the magnet 109 are arranged coaxially with respect to a single straight line extending in the Z-axis direction, which is the center line of the pin 2062.
[0067] The magnet holder portion 206 has a spherical contact surface 2063 on the lower surface (lower end surface of the magnet holder portion 206) of the lower disc portion 2061 facing the base plate portion 101a. The contact surface 2063 includes a circular flat surface 2063a formed from the smaller diameter end face of the spherical base and a spherical band-shaped curved surface 2063b formed from the side surface of the spherical base.
[0068] Pin 2062 has a disc-shaped flange portion 2062a in the axial middle of the pin 2062. With the flange portion 2062a in contact with the upper surface of the upper disc portion 2060, the lower pin 2062 is inserted from the flange portion 2062a into the through holes 2060a, 2061a, and 109a of the upper disc portion 2060, the lower disc portion 2061, and the magnet 109. The lower end of the pin 2062 is positioned inside the through hole 2061a of the lower disc portion 2061, so that the pin 2062 does not protrude from the lower surface of the lower disc portion 2061, while the upper pin 2062 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the upper disc portion 2060 from the flange portion 2062a.
[0069] The magnet holder 206 is formed integrally from a non-magnetic material (synthetic resin) and comprises a cylindrical part 2064 having a side window 2064d into which the magnet 109 can be inserted from the side. The side wall portion 2064a has a C-shaped cross-section and a pair of disc-shaped end wall portions 2064b and 2064c that close the openings at both ends of the side wall portion 2064a. The pair of disc-shaped end wall portions 2064b and 2064c are designated as the upper disc portion 2060 and the lower disc portion 2061, respectively, and the upper surface (outer surface) of the upper disc portion 2060 and the lower surface (outer surface) of the lower disc portion 2061 have contact surfaces 2063. The spherical trapezoidal contact surface 2063 on the lower surface (lower surface of the magnet holder 206) of the lower disc portion 2061 is configured to be the contact surface 2063 with respect to the bottom plate portion 101a.
[0070] The upper disc portion 2060 and the lower disc portion 2061 can be fixed to the pin 2062 using adhesive, or the pin 2062 can be press-fitted into the through holes 1060a and 1061a. This type of fixing can suppress rattling of the magnet 109.
[0071] To eliminate rattling of the magnet 109, cushioning material (not shown) may be installed between the upper disc portion 2060 and the magnet 109, and between the lower disc portion 2061 and the magnet 109.
[0072] The magnet holder 206 is inserted into the magnet housing hole 104f of the operating member 104 so as to be movable along the center line of the operating member 104, with the compression coil spring 107 fitted onto the upper pin 2062 from the flange portion 2062a, and the lower surface of the lower disc portion 2061 facing the bottom plate portion 101a.
[0073] The compression coil spring 107 is housed between the flange portion 2062a and the upper surface of the magnet housing hole 104f, biasing the operating member 104 and the rotating member 105 upward, and biasing the magnet holding portion 206 downward.
[0074] When no operating force is applied to the operating member 104, the biasing force of the compression coil spring 107 supports the magnet holding portion 206 in an upright position on the bottom plate portion 101a, with the flat surface 2063a of the contact surface 2063 on the lower surface of the lower disc portion 2061 pressed against the bottom plate portion 101a.
[0075] The magnet holder 206 moves relative to the operating member 104 in a direction along the centerline of the operating member 104, against the biasing force of the compression coil spring 107, as the operating member 104 is pressed. In other words, it enters the magnet housing hole 104f of the operating member 104, so that it does not move downward as the operating member 104 is pressed. In short, the magnet holder 206 is linked only to the tilting operation of the operating member 104.
[0076] When the operating member 104 is tilted, the magnet holding part 206 supports itself and the operating member 104 in a tilted position on the bottom plate part 101a, with the curved surface 2063b of the contact surface 2063 on the lower surface of the lower disc part 2061 pressed against the bottom plate part 101a.
[0077] A second modified example of the magnet holder will be described with reference to Figure 24. The magnet holder 306 of the second modified example replaces the magnet holders 106 and 206 described above.
[0078] Magnet 209 differs from magnet 109 in that it does not have a circular through-hole in the center. In other words, magnet 209 is a cylindrical permanent magnet whose axial direction is along the direction of protrusion of the operating member 104, and which is magnetized (polarized) with two poles, N and S, in this axial direction. Magnet 209 is a cylindrical permanent magnet whose axial direction is along the Z-axis. Magnet 209 is magnetized with two poles, N and S, in the axial direction such that both end faces (upper and lower end faces) are opposite poles. Magnet 209 has the upper end face as the N pole and the lower end face as the S pole.
[0079] The magnet holder 306, like the magnet holders 106 and 206, comprises a pair of upper and lower disc portions 3060 and 3061 positioned at both ends of the magnet 209, and a pin 3062.
[0080] Pin 3062 is a round pin with a circular cross-section. Pin 3062 is a pin made of a metal that does not adhere to the magnet 209, or a pin made of a metal that adheres to the magnet 209, but has been surface-treated such as plating to prevent it from adhering to the magnet 209.
[0081] The pin 3062 is located coaxially with the magnet 209 and protrudes upward (in the direction of protrusion of the operating member 104) from the upper disc portion 2060 (one disc portion in the direction of protrusion of the operating member 104).
[0082] Pin 3062 is located coaxially with the magnet 209, with its lower end in contact with the upper surface of the magnet 209, and protrudes upward (in the direction of protrusion of the operating member 104) from the upper disc portion 2060 (one disc portion in the direction of protrusion of the operating member 104). Pin 3062 has a disc-shaped flat head 3062a, which is in contact with the upper surface of the magnet 209.
[0083] The magnet holder portion 306 has a spherical contact surface 3063 on the lower surface (lower end surface of the magnet holder portion 306) of the lower disc portion 3061 facing the base plate portion 101a. The contact surface 3063 includes a circular flat surface 3063a formed from the small-diameter end face of the spherical base and a spherical band-shaped curved surface 3063b formed from the side surface of the spherical base.
[0084] The magnet holder 306 is formed integrally from a non-magnetic material (synthetic resin) and comprises a cylindrical side wall portion 3064a arranged on the outer circumference of the magnet 209 and a pair of disc-shaped end wall portions 3064b and 3064c that close the openings at both ends of the side wall portion 3064a, and includes a cylindrical part 3064 that covers the entire magnet 209. The pair of disc-shaped end wall portions 3064b and 3064c are designated as an upper disc portion 3060 and a lower disc portion 3061, with a contact surface 3063 on the lower surface (outer surface) of the lower disc portion 3061, and a trapezoidal contact surface 3063 on the lower surface (lower surface of the magnet holder 306) of the lower disc portion 3061 that is the contact surface 3063 with respect to the bottom plate portion 101a.
[0085] The magnet holder 306, which includes a magnet 206, a pin 3062, and a cylindrical part 3064, is integrally formed by insert molding, with the lower ends of the magnet 206 and pin 3062 embedded in the cylindrical part 3064.
[0086] The magnet holder 306 has a compression coil spring 107 fitted onto a pin 3062 that protrudes upward from the upper disc portion 3060, and is movably inserted into the magnet housing hole 104f of the operating member 104 along the center line of the operating member 104, with the lower surface of the lower disc portion 3061 facing the bottom plate portion 101a.
[0087] The compression coil spring 107 is housed between the upper disc portion 3060 and the upper surface of the magnet housing hole 104f, biasing the operating member 104 and the rotating member 105 upward, and biasing the magnet holding portion 306 downward.
[0088] When no operating force is applied to the operating member 104, the biasing force of the compression coil spring 107 supports the magnet holding portion 306 in an upright position on the bottom plate portion 101a, with the flat surface 3063a of the contact surface 3063 on the lower surface of the lower disc portion 3061 pressed against the bottom plate portion 101a.
[0089] The magnet holder 306 moves relative to the operating member 104 in a direction along the centerline of the operating member 104, against the biasing force of the compression coil spring 107, as the operating member 104 is pressed. In other words, it enters the magnet housing hole 104f of the operating member 104, so that it does not move downward as the operating member 104 is pressed. In short, the magnet holder 306 is linked only to the tilting operation of the operating member 104.
[0090] When the operating member 104 is tilted, the magnet holding part 306 supports itself and the operating member 104 in a tilted position on the bottom plate part 101a, with the curved surface 3063b of the contact surface 3063 on the lower surface of the lower disc part 3061 pressed against the bottom plate part 101a.
[0091] As described above, the multi-directional input device comprises cases 101 and 102, tiltable operating members 104 protruding from cases 101 and 102, an elastic member 107 that returns the operating member 104 to its initial state before tilting, a magnet holding part 106 (or 206 or 306) that is relatively movable with respect to the operating member 104 only in the direction along the protrusion direction and is linked only in the tilting direction, a magnet 109 (or 209) placed on the magnet holding part 106 (or 206 or 306), and magnetic sensors 110A and 110B positioned opposite the magnet 109 (or 209) to detect the movement of the magnet 109 (or 209). The magnetic sensors 110A and 110B are positioned to the side of the magnet 109 (or 209) and are capable of detecting magnetic components in three mutually orthogonal axial directions.
[0092] In the multi-directional input device, the magnetic sensors 110A and 110B are positioned to the side of the magnet 109 (or 209) and are capable of detecting magnetic components in three mutually orthogonal axes. Compared to the case where the magnetic sensors are positioned below the magnet 109 (or 209), this configuration allows for a lower profile product while ensuring an appropriate distance between the magnet 109 (or 209) and the magnetic sensors 110A and 110B (for example, a distance such that minute rattle of the magnet 109 or 209 does not adversely affect the detection of the tilt operation of the operating member 104), thereby improving the detection accuracy of the tilt operation of the operating member 104.
[0093] In the multi-directional input device, magnetic sensors 110A and 110B are positioned at two locations on the side of magnet 109 (or 209) that are point-symmetric with respect to the axis of magnet 109 (or 209). Each is a magnetic sensor that can detect magnetic components in three mutually orthogonal axes relative to magnet 109 (or 209). The device includes a magnet tilt angle calculation unit 116 that calculates the tilt angle of magnet 109 (or 209) based on the outputs of both magnetic sensors 110A and 110B. The magnet tilt angle calculation unit 116 averages the angle of the magnetic flux density vector calculated based on the output value of one magnetic sensor 110A and the angle of the magnetic flux density vector calculated based on the output value of the other magnetic sensor 110B.
[0094] In the multi-directional input device, magnetic sensors 110A and 110B are positioned at two locations on the side of the magnet 109 (or 209) that are point-symmetric with respect to the axis of the magnet 109 (or 209). Each sensor is a magnetic sensor that can detect magnetic components in three mutually orthogonal axes relative to the magnet 109 (or 209). The device includes a magnet tilt angle calculation unit 116 that calculates the tilt angle of the magnet 109 (or 209) based on the outputs of both magnetic sensors 110A and 110B. The magnet tilt angle calculation unit 116 averages the angle of the magnetic flux density vector calculated based on the output value of one magnetic sensor 110A and the angle of the magnetic flux density vector calculated based on the output value of the other magnetic sensor 110B, thereby reducing the product's height while improving the detection accuracy of the tilt operation of the operating member 104 by the magnetic sensors 110A and 110B positioned on the side of the magnet 109 (or 209).
[0095] In the multi-directional input device, the magnet 109 (or 209) is held in a magnet holding part 106 (or 206 or 306) that is only movable relative to the operating member 104 in the direction along the protruding direction and is linked only in the tilting direction. As a result, even if the operating member 104 moves downward against the compression coil spring 107, the magnet 109 (or 209) will not move downward, and the magnetic field will not change, thus improving the detection accuracy of the tilting operation of the operating member 104.
[0096] In the multi-directional input device, the magnet holder 106 includes a pair of disc portions 1060 and 1061 positioned at both ends of the magnet 109, and a pin 1062 located coaxially with the magnet 109 and protruding from one of the disc portions 1060 in the direction of the operating member 104's protrusion. As a result, when the outer diameter of the magnet 109 is increased, it is not necessary to increase the outer diameter of the magnet holder 106 accordingly. This allows the magnet 109 to be enlarged without increasing the overall size of the product, and improves the detection accuracy of the tilting operation of the operating member 104.
[0097] In the multi-directional input device, the magnet 109 has a through hole 109a in its center, and the magnet holder 106 comprises a pair of disc portions 1060 and 1061 positioned at both ends of the magnet 109, and a pin 1062. The disc portions 1060 and 1061 have through holes 1060a and 1061a in their centers, and the pin 1062 is inserted into the through holes 1060a, 1061a, and 109a of the disc portions 1060 and 1061 and the magnet 109, thereby holding the magnet 109 between the disc portions 1060 and 1061. This configuration eliminates the need to increase the outer diameter of the magnet holder 106 when increasing the outer diameter of the magnet 109, allowing the magnet 109 to be enlarged without increasing the size of the product, and improving the detection accuracy of the tilt operation of the operating member 104.
[0098] In the multi-directional input device, the magnet holding portion 106 (or 206 or 306) has a spherical contact surface 1063 (or 2063 or 3063) on one surface of the disc portion 1061 (or 2061 or 3061) opposite to the magnet 109 (or 209) side on the side opposite to the protruding direction of the operating member 104, and the contact surface 1063 (or 2063 or 3063) has a flat surface 1063a (or 2063a or 3063a) which is the small diameter end face of the spherical base and a curved surface 1063b (or The configuration includes a flat surface 1063a (or 2063a or 3063a) which contacts the bottom plate portion 101a of the case 101 and supports the operating member 104 upright on the bottom plate portion 101a together with the magnet holding portion 106 (or 206 or 306), and a curved surface 1063b (or 2063b or 3063b) which contacts the bottom plate portion 101a and supports the operating member 104 tilted on the bottom plate portion 101a together with the magnet holding portion 106 (or 206 or 306).
[0099] In the multi-directional input device, the elastic member 107 is a compression coil spring positioned between the operating member 104 and the magnet holding portion 106 (or 206 or 306), and is configured to press the contact surface 1063 (or 2063 or 3063) against the bottom plate portion 101a while biasing the operating member 104 in the protruding direction.
[0100] The multi-directional input device includes a rotating member 105 having a through hole 105a into which an operating member 104 is inserted. The rotating member 105 has first shaft portions 105b and 105c, which protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the rotating member 105 in two opposing directions and are arranged coaxially with respect to a straight line perpendicular to the center line of the rotating member 105. The rotating member 105 is housed in a case 102 so as to be rotatable around the axes of the first shaft portions 105b and 105c, and the operating member 104 is... The device has two shafts 104d and 104e, the second shafts 104d and 104e protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the operating member 104 in two opposite directions and perpendicular to the center line of the operating member 104, and are also provided coaxially with a straight line perpendicular to both the first shafts 105b and 105c, and the operating member 104 is supported by the rotating member 105 so as to be rotatable around the axes of the second shafts 104d and 104e, protruding from the case 102 and configured to be tiltable in any direction around it.
[0101] The multi-directional input device includes a pusher 111 housed in a case 102 so as to be movable in the vertical direction, and a metal dome 113 which is a snap-type contact member that biases the pusher 111 upward. It also includes a push switch that can detect the pressing of the operating member 104. A rotating member 105 is housed in the case 102 so as to be movable downward in response to the pressing of the operating member 104. The push switch is configured such that the rotating member 105, which moves downward in response to the pressing of the operating member 104, moves the pusher 111 downward against the biasing force of the metal dome 113, causing the pusher 111 to press the metal dome 113.
[0102] In the multi-directional input device, by arranging magnetic sensors 110A and 110B in directions perpendicular to the protruding directions of the first shaft portions 105b and 105c, an appropriate distance (for example, a distance that is neither too short nor too long) can be secured between the magnet 109 (or 209) and the magnetic sensors 110A and 110B, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the tilting operation of the operating member 104. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0103] 101 Lower case 101a Bottom plate part 102 Upper case 104 Operating member 104d Left second axis section 104e Right second shaft section 105 Rotating Member 105a Through hole 105b Front first shaft section 105c Rear 1st shaft part 106 Magnet holder 1060 Upper disc section 1060a Through hole 1061 Lower disc section 1061a Through hole 1062 pins 1063 Contact surface 1063a flat surface 1063b Curved surface 1064 Disc-shaped part 107 Compression coil spring 109 Magnets 109a Through hole 110A First Magnetic Sensor 110B Second Magnetic Sensor 111 Pusher 113 Metal Dome 116 Magnet tilt angle calculation section 206 Magnet holder 2060 Upper disc section 2060a Through hole 2061 Lower disk section 2061a Through hole 2062 pins 2063 Contact surface 2063a flat surface 2063b Curved surface 2064 Cylindrical part 2064a side wall 2064b End wall 2064c End wall 2064d side window 209 Magnets 306 Magnet holder 3060 Upper disc section 3061 Lower disc section 3062 pins 3063 Contact surface 3063a flat surface 3063b Curved surface 3064 Cylindrical part 3064a side wall 3064b End wall 3064c End wall
Claims
1. The case and, A tiltable operating member protruding from the aforementioned case, An elastic member that returns the operating member to its initial state before the tilting operation, The operating member is provided with a magnet holding part that is movable relative to it only in the direction along the protruding direction and is linked only in the tilting direction, The magnet placed in the magnet holding part, The system includes a magnetic sensor positioned opposite the magnet and used to detect the movement of the magnet, The magnetic sensor is positioned to the side of the magnet and is capable of detecting magnetic components in three mutually orthogonal axial directions. The multi-directional input device is characterized in that the magnetic sensors are arranged at two positions on the side of the magnet, which are point-symmetrical with respect to the axis of the magnet, and each of them is a magnetic sensor capable of detecting magnetic components in three mutually orthogonal axial directions relative to the magnet.
2. The system includes a magnet tilt angle calculation unit that calculates the tilt angle of the magnet based on the outputs of both of the aforementioned magnetic sensors. The multi-directional input device according to claim 1, characterized in that the magnet tilt angle calculation unit averages the angle of the magnetic flux density vector calculated based on the output value of one of the magnetic sensors and the angle of the magnetic flux density vector calculated based on the output value of the other magnetic sensor.
3. The rotating member comprises a through-hole into which the operating member is inserted, The rotating member has a first shaft portion, The first shaft portion is provided coaxially with respect to a straight line perpendicular to the center line of the rotating member, with respect to a single straight line that is perpendicular to the center line of the rotating member, and protruding in two opposite directions from the outer circumferential surface of the rotating member. The rotating member is housed in the case so as to be rotatable around the axis of the first shaft portion. The operating member has a second shaft portion, The second shaft portion is provided protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the operating member in two opposing directions, and is provided coaxially with a straight line perpendicular to the center line of the operating member and also perpendicular to the first shaft portion. The multi-directional input device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the operating member is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the rotating member around the axis of the second shaft portion, protruding from the case and configured to be tiltable in any direction around it.
4. The case comprises a pusher housed in the case so as to be movable in the vertical direction, a snap-type contact member that biases the pusher upward, and a push switch capable of detecting the pressing of the operating member. The rotating member is housed in the case so as to be able to move downward when the operating member is pressed. The multi-directional input device according to claim 3, characterized in that the push switch is configured such that the rotating member moves downward in conjunction with the pressing of the operating member, causing the pusher to move downward against the biasing force of the contact member, and the pusher to press the contact member.
5. The multi-directional input device according to claim 3, characterized in that the magnetic sensor is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the protruding direction of the first shaft portion.
6. The multidirectional input device according to claim 4, characterized in that the magnetic sensor is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the protruding direction of the first shaft portion.